Juniors: Playing on bigger pitches
in Attack, Attack, Small-sided games, U12+
Use this activity to help your players get into better positions to pass and move the ball to space on bigger pitches. MORE
Positional awareness
The 10 has to know where to stand for the pass. So improve your back-line alignment based on what defence they’re facing: play flat if the defence is on the back foot, or deep if it’s on the front foot… MORE
Who’s the daddy in defence?
in Rugby drills, Tackling, U12+
Challenge your defenders to make crucial tackles by using this “spotlight” exercise. With the rest of the squad watching, there will be no hiding place… MORE
Ball placement and clean-out
in Contact, Rugby drills, U12+
Dominating the collision in attack will lead to better ball presentation and increase the of a clean and speedy recycle. Use this exercise to improve – it starts with a cone-flipping race. MORE
Tackle good, recover well, tackle again
in Rugby drills, Tackling, U12+
Turn your players into dominating tacklers capable of stopping the opposition on the gain line and winning turnovers. Develop player’s ability to dominate the tackle and get into position to compete for the ball afterwards. Then, improve your players’ decision making at the tackle and their knowledge of the tackle laws. MORE
Jump and field
in Kicking & Catching, Rugby drills, U12+
Every time the catcher has to jump to take the ball, he risks losing it. Use this simple exercise and extension to put pressure on the catcher and any challenger as well. By Dan Cottrell ACTIVITY One player throws the ball over two ruck pad holders are advancing The catcher comes forward The catcher jumps... MORE
Chain-gang passing
in Attack, Footwork and evasion, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills, U12+
Develop a chain of passes with players running different angles and coming from different depths to challenge defences. MORE
B defender decisions
in Defence, Rugby drills, U12+
This session concentrates on the “B” defender, the one who is second out from the side of a defensive ruck. His role is to either stop the 9 running or, if the 9 passes, close down the space inside the 10. MORE
Stay on your feet
in Contact, Rucking & Mauling, Rugby drills, U12+
Not all mauls are set up from lineouts. Sometimes a player stays on his feet through the first contact and is then held up. He should choose whether to drive on with support, or go to ground. This session works on staying on the feet. By Dan Cottrell CHALLENGE Retain possession in contact while going... MORE
Turnover try
in Attack, Defence, Passing & Handling, Rugby drills, U12+
Switch quickly from defence to attack when you turn over the ball. Exploit opposition disorganisation with realignment, quick passing and getting the ball into space. By Dan Cottrell WHY USE IT Two quick passes to get away from the turnover ruck followed by a pass to a third player who has depth will fix a... MORE
